Just because you’re throwing a backyard bash for the Fourth doesn’t mean you can’t add some pizazz! There are some simple things you can do that will bring in a touch of color to your party and make people walk away thinking you’re a regular Martha! One of my favorite things when hosting a party is exceeding people’s expectations. When people are invited over for a simple barbecue, there expectations are low. Providing a color-coordinated look with unique touches will leave a lasting impression.
- A simple way to show off your creativity is through dessert. This flag cake is super simple yet will blow your guests out of the water claiming you’re the “Next Cake Boss”!
- These festive medallions from Martha Stewart are easy to make yet add some color and are great to hang over the food or dessert display.
- Creating a color-themed drink is always a crowd-pleaser. To create a layered drink you want to choose drinks with varying levels of sugar. The most dense (the one with the most sugar) goes on the bottom of the glass (I love using mason jars!), then layer the other drinks on top. This great red, white & blue drink featured on Hostess with the Mostess is gorgeous!
- Also featured on one of my favorite blogs, Hostess with the Mostess, is this great idea for a table setting. Red and blue handkerchiefs are easy to come by and make great place-mats. Then, even if you’re using plastic, wrap the silverware with a pretty cloth or paper napkin.
- Cake in a Jar, whoever thought to put the two together…genius! This red, white and blue cake combo from Tom Kat Studio is not only yummy but acts as décor as well. Sprinkles and some ribbon top off the look for a completed dessert that will definitely have your guests booking you to cater their next event!
- Wreaths, normally perceived as Christmas-time décor, are becoming a more popular way to dress up doors or walls. This fun craft from Naptime Crafts can be mixed up with different colors and is an option for other holiday décor as well.
- Chocolate dipped pretzels with colored sprinkles are always a fan favorite. I’ve made these for bridal showers, candy bars at weddings and just as a treat. I’m a big fan! Simply take pretzel rods & dip them into melted dipping chocolate (white, milk or dark), and decorate with sprinkles. Make sure the chocolate isn’t too runny or it will drip off the rod or be smushy. These lovely ones are from Cupcakes and Cashmere.
- Another creative way to display and arrange silverware (plastic or not) and napkins via All Things New, arrange them in a mason jar. The many uses of mason jars continues!
- It is so easy to just make naughty desserts for barbecues; these strawberries with mascarpone and blueberries are on the lighter side from babble. Summer fruits are so light and refreshing, it’s nice to incorporate them in the menu, as they provide a break from heavy and dense desserts.
After pulling together this collection of fabulousness and doing recon on the best BBQ recipes, I’m officially hungry! I hope everyone is ready for the Fourth and now has some great ideas for throwing the barbecue of the year!
